The Gorkha National Liberation Front has threatened to launch a movement if the Gorkhaland Territorial Authority fails to start repair work on the bridge and roads connecting Lohagarh and other villages under Mirik. The GNLF, at present believed to be close with chief minister Mamata Banerjee after party chief Mann Ghisingh’s recent Kolkata visit, said that if the GTA fails to start repair work, they will be forced to ask the state government to intervene.
About 20,000 residents villages such as Lohagarh, Potong, Hiley Jhora and Khaprel have been cut-off after the diversion over ‘Guye Khola’ collapsed following heavy rainfall. The main bridge was washed away in 2013.
Nauraj Chhetri, GNLF president of Panighatta unit, said they have submitted a memorandum to the district magistrate demanding immediate repair of the bridge and the 9km road that connects the villages.
He said, “The Terai and the foothills under the GTA have always felt the pinch of administrative apathy.”

Meanwhile, GTA principal secretary Ravinder Singh said, “GTA engineers have visited the affected areas and temporary work has started in two-three places.”
The locals, including tea garden workers and students are facing a difficult time as vehicles cannot ply in the area and the alternative route via Panighatta is also vulnerable as the river has changed its course and damaged the road.